Election 2014: Do connections matter?

The question of access to senior government officials was debated by mayoral candidates Bruce Bidgood and Carol Leclerc at the Nov. 5 all candidates forum.

Bidgood said he felt “hurt” over what he said were suggestions by Leclerc that her position as the BC Liberal candidate for the Skeena riding in the May 2013 provincial election gave her a hand up in getting things done with the province. He said he also knows the premier and other high-ranking government officials and that he’s all business when dealing with them.

“When I go into a meeting in the board room, I’m not interested in socializing, I’m not interested in a photo op,” he said.

Bidgood added that the choice of voting shouldn’t be about party affiliations. “We both equally have our connections with the provincial government that would serve well the City of Terrace,” he said.

Leclerc said her candidacy did open doors with the current BC Liberal government.

“It’s not a bad thing to have,” she said. “I think that if you’ve got the cards in your hand, you play them. If it’s good for Terrace, use those connections.”